NFL Week 13 Update

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Sunday, November 30^th, 2008

New York Giants(10-1) at Washington Redskins(7-4) 1:00PM

Redskins feed off the home crowd and hold on to a fourth quarter victory

(Redskins No Line) (Redskins +4)

New Orleans Saints(6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(8-3) 1:00PM

Saints gun it out for second week in a row

(Saints No Line) (Saints +4)

Miami Dolphins(6-5) at St. Louis Rams(2-9) 1:00PM

Dolphins take a road win in their attempt to remain in the AFC East running

(Dolphins No Line) (Dolphins -8)

Pittsburgh Steelers(8-3) at New England Patriots(7-4) 4:15PM

Patriots battle it out to finish on top as the clock reaches all zero’s

(Patriots No Line) (Patriots -1)

NFL Week 13 Picks

I’d like to start by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving this weekend. We should all be blessed with an abundance of good friends, loving family, delicious foods, and ice cold beer. It’s just unfortunate that the NFL won’t be blessing us with an exciting line up of holiday pigskin. Does anyone else think we’re over due for deep frying the tradition of set teams monopolizing our holiday time slots? Why can’t we get the best match ups of the week for our Thanksgiving day feast? Alright, enough of my griping, I’ve spoken my piece.

My stats last week’s were average for yet again, above .500, but undistinguishable from any other prognosticators analysis. The final count came in at 11-5 on the straight picks and 10-6 against the spread. This weekend I could sure use a 16-0 week to be thankful for, but maybe that’s asking too much.

Season stats:

105-70-1 / 105 of 176 (.597) Straight Picks

94-79-3 (.534) Against the Spread

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, November 27^th, 2008 Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Tennessee Titans(10-1) at Detroit Lions(0-11) 12:30PM

I’m going to have to side with the critics on this game. Why is it that we are forced to suffer through a Detroit football game each and every Thanksgiving? The Lions have been a bad team for…well…a long time and this game is likely to be pure torture to watch…again!

Titans blow out the Lions

(Titans -11.5)

Seattle Seahawks(2-9) at Dallas Cowboys(7-4) 4:15PM

Another match up that could prove to be one sided and give the Cowboys something to be thankful for. The return of Tony Romo has the Cowboys reenergized and seeming more than ready to take the center stage in a home game in front of a National audience. The Seahawks on the other hand will be on the road, away from family for the holidays, and heavy underdogs.

Cowboys light up the score board

(Cowboys -13)

Arizona Cardinals(7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles(5-5-1) 8:15PM

This game could prove to be a little bit more entertaining as we can all begin to wonder whether or not McNabb’s career in Philly is endangered; more immediately, will he even play a full game, as he’s already been announced to start? While Eagles fans will have plenty to boo about, the Cardinals might be looking at a possibility of a bountiful Thanksgiving.

Cardinals take a win on the road

(Cardinals +3)

Sunday, November 30^th, 2008

Carolina Panthers(8-3) at Green Bay Packers(5-6) 1:00PM

With both teams coming off multiple touchdown losses, both teams will be feeling that it’s in their right to rebound this week. Unfortunately, only one team can do so and I’m going to have to say I’m giving a slight edge to the Panthers even if they are the road team.

Panthers add to Green Bay’s misery

(Panthers +3)

Indianapolis Colts(7-4) at Cleveland Browns(4-7) 1:00PM

The Colts will enter this match up riding a 4 game win streak. This could spell trouble for the struggling Browns who are currently 1-5 at home, especially since the Colts are 4-2 on the road. With a full weeks rest from last weeks match up and the Colts next games at home against Cincinnati and Detroit, I can only expect Peyton Manning and the Colts to be rested and focused on collecting another win this week.

Colts advance win streak to five

(Colts -5)

Baltimore Ravens(7-4) at Cincinnati Bengals(1-9-1) 1:00PM

It’s the year of the rookies in Baltimore this year. From first time head coach John Harbaugh to quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens are being lead down a winning path, a path the Bengals are no where near. Chances are, this game won’t even be a decent watch unless you’re a Ravens fan or just enjoy pure domination.

Ravens rip through the Bengals

(Ravens -7)

San Francisco 49ers(3-8) at Buffalo Bills(6-5) 1:00PM

It could be time for a high to come crashing down. After absolutely demolishing the Chiefs last week, the Bills will come home to host the 49ers who haven’t won many games, but have had their moments of scoring drives and managed to keep a few games from running away from them and, in my opinion, are due for a victory.

49ers bring an end to the Bills celebration

(49ers +7)

Denver Broncos(6-5) at New York Jets(8-3) 1:00PM

For two weeks I pick the Broncos to lose games in which they were underdogs; wouldn’t you know it, they won. Then last week I picked them to win as favorites and they were humiliated in a shocking upset. While it pains me to pick against my team, at this point I can always say I did it for the good of my team; that if I pick against them they will pull off the upset. Hey, it’s worth a shot.

J.E.T.S., Brett, Brett, Brett

(Broncos +8)

New York Giants(10-1) at Washington Redskins(7-4) 1:00PM

Now this is one of the games that we, as fans, should have been blessed with for Thanksgiving. An interdivision match up where a strong Redskins team hosts one of this seasons league leaders in what should prove to be a knock down, drag out fight to the finish, especially if Washington is looking for revenge on their season opener.

Redskins feed off the home crowd and hold on to a fourth quarter victory

(Redskins No Line)

New Orleans Saints(6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(8-3) 1:00PM

I’m going to have to say that this match up is a tough one to call. On the one hand, you have the Buccaneers silently leading the NFC South and getting little attention for it. Then on the other hand, you have a Saints team that went off the hook in their last match up and could very well be poised for a let down. While most of me says Buccaneers, I can’t help but listen to that distant voice faintly calling for the upset.

Saints gun it out for second week in a row

(Saints No Line)

Miami Dolphins(6-5) at St. Louis Rams(2-9) 1:00PM

This is almost a scary game to pick as the Dolphins seem to defeat the teams that out rank them only to seemingly over look the games that should be a sure win. However, other than a glimmer of hope in Week 6 & 7, the Rams have simply looked awful. This should be one of Miami’s simpler match ups.

Dolphins take a road win in their attempt to remain in the AFC East running

(Dolphins No Line)

Atlanta Falcons(7-4) at San Diego Chargers(4-7) 4:05PM

Matt Ryan has been a savior in Atlanta, and the assistance of Michael Turners ground game has offered a mountain of stress relief for his rookie quarterback. All together this has amounted to success for the Falcons. So don’t think Turner isn’t looking forward to his return to San Diego for a chance to show off in front of his former team.

Falcons add more heartbreak to the Chargers season

(Falcons +5)

Kansas City Chiefs(1-10) at Oakland Raiders(3-8) 4:15PM

Granted, the Raiders served up a stinger to the Broncos in Denver last week, but I still think Tyler Thigpen offers a glimmer of hope in Kansas City. This game could offer up a competitive game, but with a combined record of 4-18, who’s planning to watch to find out?

Chiefs finally find a way to double their seasons wins

(Chiefs +3)

Pittsburgh Steelers(8-3) at New England Patriots(7-4) 4:15PM

In my opinion, this should have been one of the other games to grace our television screens for the Thanksgiving holiday. With Pittsburgh leading the AFC North and the Patriots in a chase for AFC East, this game should be a meaningful one for both teams; a game that neither can afford to lose. However, I believe that it will be the Patriots that need it more, and with the home field advantage, I’m sure they aim to take it.

Patriots battle it out to finish on top as the clock reaches all zero’s

(Patriots No Line)

Sunday, November 30^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Chicago Bears(6-5) at Minnesota Vikings(6-5) 8:15PM

After the first meeting between these two teams, they deserve a National spotlight on Sunday Night. I can only hope that they will be able to repeat the performance. However, I’m not seeing a sweep for these division rivals this season.

Vikings win in another wild defensive match up

(Vikings -3)

Monday, December 1^st, 2008, Monday Night Football

Jacksonville Jaguars(4-7) at Houston Texans(4-7) 8:30PM

Houston, to me, seems like the team that should have more wins, but doesn’t, while the Jaguars are the team that was expected to have more wins, but has done nothing to deserve it. Now, with tied records at 4-7, these division rivals will meet to decide who will hold the last place in the AFC South.

Texans avoid a sweep and finish with the win

(Texans -3)

Happy Thanksgiving to all this week, and I hope that you are all blessed with a warmth of friends, family, and numerous reasons for thanks. Happy Holidays to you all.

NFL Week 12 Updates

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post

Sunday, November 21^st, 2008

Houston Texans(3-7) at Cleveland Browns(4-6) 1:00PM

Texans win first road game of their season

(Texans No Line) (Texans -3)

San Francisco 49ers(3-7) at Dallas Cowboys(6-4) 1:00PM

Cowboys hold it together and mark up another win

(Cowboys No Line) (49ers +10)

Minnesota Vikings(5-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars(4-6) 1:00PM

Vikings grab a small lead early and hold on

(Vikings No Line) (Vikings +3)

Buffalo Bills(5-5) at Kansas City Chiefs(1-9) 1:00PM

Chiefs take hold of a second victory at home

(Chiefs No Line) (Chiefs +3)

Chicago Bears(5-5) at St. Louis Rams(2-8) 1:00PM

Bears win on the road

(Bears No Line) (Bears -8)

Washington Redskins(6-4) at Seattle Seahawks(2-8) 4:15PM

Redskins travel cross the country to pick up a win

(Redskins No Line) (Redskins -3.5)

Monday, November 22^nd, 2008, Monday Night Football

Green Bay Packers(5-5) at New Orleans Saints(5-5) 8:30PM

Packers comes out ahead in a shootout

(Packers No Line) (Packers +3)

NFL Week 12 Picks

Well last week I said that anything less that double digits in the win column would be unacceptable, looks like I barely passed the mark on my straight picks as I finished the week 10-5-1. However I wasn’t so lucky with my picks against the spread, which finished below .500 at 7-9. Can you say ‘Ouch’? Well, no need to beat around the bush this week; let’s just get right to it.

Season Stats:

94-65-1 / 94 of 160(.588) Straight Picks

84-73-3(.525) Against the Spread

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, November 20^th, 2008

Cincinnati Bengals(1-8-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers(7-3) 8:15PM

It would seem to me that they Bengals have already received all their gifts for the season. They’ve been simply awful, but have somehow managed to pull off an upset victory over Jacksonville and forced the first tie in six years against the Eagles. At this point I think that it would be asking too much for them to achieve a second upset in Pittsburgh.

Steelers remain perfect against division rivals

(Steelers -11)

Sunday, November 23^rd, 2008

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-3) at Detroit Lions(0-10) 1:00PM

We’re going to make this game Detroit’s upset special. All season Detroit has managed to put up points, and get into some fairly close games against some decent teams. I’ve got to say that this week, winless in ten games, and playing at home, this team simply lay’s it all out on the line, shocking everyone with an upset.

Lions finally pull off an upset.

(Lions +8.5)

Philadelphia Eagles(5-4-1) at Baltimore Ravens(6-4) 1:00PM

One can only wonder what happened to Philadelphia last week when they allowed the Bengals to hold on for the first tie in six years. Now they will have to step over to Baltimore and take on a Raven who are 3-1 at home. If Joe Flacco can shake off last weeks Giants game and allow the Ravens defense to play with a lead, this could be a tough game for the Eagles.

Ravens continue stay in the chase for the AFC North

(Ravens -1.5)

Houston Texans(3-7) at Cleveland Browns(4-6) 1:00PM

Texans may have a losing record on the season this year, but they still have some talent on their roster and although Sage Rosenfels still makes me nerves when he stands behind center, I can’t help but feel that Steve Slaton is going to run wild on the Browns defense. This could open up some big plays from Rosenfels to Andre Johnson.

Texans win first road game of their season

(Texans No Line)

San Francisco 49ers(3-7) at Dallas Cowboys(6-4) 1:00PM

While I’m not completely sold that the return of Tony Romo has brought the Cowboys back to ‘Great team’ status, but I am sold that the 49ers have been faced with a few struggles this season. Now to think that they would travel to Dallas and achieve an upset could prove to be a bit of a stretch.

Cowboys hold it together and mark up another win

(Cowboys No Line)

New York Jets(7-3) at Tennessee Titans(10-0) 1:00PM

While I think most people are about ready to pick just about any game in which the Titans fall from grace, I simply don’t think that it will come in a game as possibly predictable as this one. Sure Brett Favre has the arm to gun sling his way to a victory, but he also has the risk factor to feed the Titans turnover ratio. I’m calling for a tight game, multiple lead changes, and another Titan finish.

Titans continue to defy their critics

(Jets +5)

Minnesota Vikings(5-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars(4-6) 1:00PM

The Jaguars have been on and off this year, and based on their record, more off than on. Now they will have to host the Vikings defense on their own field in Jacksonville where they are 1-4 for the season. This may not work out well for the home team.

Vikings grab a small lead early and hold on

(Vikings No Line)

Buffalo Bills(5-5) at Kansas City Chiefs(1-9) 1:00PM

Lately the Chiefs have been knocking on everyone’s door, only no one has let them in. The Jets beat them by only 4, the Buccaneers by 3, the Chargers by 1, and although last week they lost by 10 to New Orleans, I still think Tyler Thigpen is managing the game and the return of Larry Johnson can’t hurt either. So what happens when we bring a spiraling Buffalo team into Arrowhead stadium to face off against a Chiefs team with nothing left to lose?

Chiefs take hold of a second victory at home

(Chiefs No Line)

New England Patriots(6-4) at Miami Dolphins(6-4) 1:00PM

Now I don’t have any stats in front of me, but correct me if I’m wrong. Don’t teams usually split their match ups by winning at home? Earlier this season, the Dolphins traveled to New England, unveiled the Wildcat offense to an unprepared Bradyless team, and shocked the NFL with a huge upset. Chances are, Matt Cassel will be more comfortable, and the Patriots defense better prepared when they enter Dolphin stadium this Sunday. Are we going to see a season split?

Patriots win and even up the series with Miami

(Patriots +2)

Chicago Bears(5-5) at St. Louis Rams(2-8) 1:00PM

While the Rams may have looked like they were going to turn things around for two straight wins, they’ve proven to do anything but since. They would have to come out of the gate with some more surprises to win in this match up.

Bears win on the road

(Bears No Line)

Oakland Raiders(2-8) at Denver Broncos(6-4) 4:05PM

As a Bronco fan I am ashamed for having picked against my team two weeks in a row and then watch them win. I thought their run game was over, but Hillis and the reacquisition of Tatum Bell has managed to move the ball. I thought their injury laden defense was a lost cause, but last week they did enough to hold down the Falcons. I’ve always believed in Cutler and now he’s shown he can shoulder the load. I’m not making this mistake a third time.

Broncos sweep the series against the Raiders

(Broncos -10)

Carolina Panthers(8-2) at Atlanta Falcons(6-4) 4:15PM

I expect this game to be an excellent match up. I also expect this game to be anything but one sided. Rookie Matt Ryan has been leading his team like a veteran this season and Atlanta has got to be celebrating the turn around from last season’s fiascos. I don’t know that anyone expects the Falcons to pull off the win here, but I think the Falcons take advantage of home field and put up one hell of a show.

Falcons make a move to stay in the race for the NFC South

(Falcons -1)

Washington Redskins(6-4) at Seattle Seahawks(2-8) 4:15PM

Seahawks have struggled this season and they can’t hide the fact that they are just as bad at home as they are on the road. That’s 1-4 on the road and 1-4 at home. The Redskins on the other hand need this win to keep their place above Dallas in the NFC East. We’ll have to wait and see if Portis continues to play, but either way I don’t know if the Seahawks have what it takes.

Redskins travel cross the country to pick up a win

(Redskins No Line)

New York Giants(9-1) at Arizona Cardinals(7-3) 4:15PM

While it’s tempting to want to pick Warner and Boldin…or should it be Warner and Fitzgerald…to lead the Cardinals to a huge win over the Giants, I just can’t do it. This Giants team has simply been solid and efficient throughout the season while the Cardinals have lead a winning season against a lot of sub .500 teams.

Giants enjoy the warmth of Arizona…along with a win

(Giants -3.5)

Sunday, November 23^rd, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Indianapolis Colts(6-4) at San Diego Chargers(4-6) 8:15PM

It’s time to stop holding on to the Chargers of last season. This team simply isn’t the team they were last year. Yes they have talent, and yes they could still pull it together in the second half of the season, but until they do I’m going to have question whether they are going to be able to fend off Peyton Manning and the Colts. The Colts have been regaining their hold on this season, but can the Chargers still regain theirs?

Colts win at Qualcomm Stadium

(Colts +3)

Monday, November 24^th, 2008, Monday Night Football

Green Bay Packers(5-5) at New Orleans Saints(5-5) 8:30PM

This should turn out to be a fantastic Monday Night match up with high scoring possibilities. Between the arms of Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees I can’t imagine this game to be lacking in highlights. But the question still remains. Who finishes the game on top? Both teams are 5-5 and both teams are coming off a Sunday win. This one could end with whoever has the ball last.

Packers comes out ahead in a shootout

(Packers No Line)

Looks like even Vegas is having a hard time picking games with so many games missing a line. It’ll just have to be updated later this week. And with that, Week 12 is concluded! Temperatures are dropping around the country and winter is calling, time to fire up the grill, warm your favorite liquor or crack open that bottle of brew and settling in for another weekend packed full of football!

NFL Week 11 Updates

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Sunday, November 16^th, 2008

Chicago Bears(5-4) at Green Bay Packers(4-5) 1:00PM

Bears pull off a win at Lambeau

(Bears No Line) Didn’t update before start of game

Arizona Cardinals(6-3) at Seattle Seahawks(2-7) 4:05PM

Cardinals continue to own the NFC West

(Cardinals No Line) (Cardinals -3)

San Diego Chargers(4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers(6-3) 4:15PM

Steelers dominate on Heinz Field

(Steelers No Line) (Steelers -5)

Sunday, November 16^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys(5-4) at Washington Redskins(6-3) 8:15PM

Redskins sweep the Cowboys in their second match up at home

(Redskins No Line) (Redskins +2)

NFL Week 11 Picks

Alright, seeing as how I’m already running late posting my picks this week, I’ll keep this intro short and save the typing for the game analysis. The quick recap of Week 10 shows nothing better than average for yet another week of picks as I finished both 9-5 in my straight picks and 9-5 against the spread. There are no longer any bye weeks left as we enter into Week 11, so at this point anything less than double digits in the wins column should be less than acceptable. Here we go.

Season Stats:

84-60 / 84 of 144 (.583) Straight Picks

77-64-3 (.535) Against the Spread

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, November 13^th, 2008

New York Jets(6-3) at New England Patriots(6-3) 8:15PM

Who would have guessed that the Jets would be making the trip into Foxboro in Week 11 with a record that was tied with the Patriots? The game should prove to be an exciting one, especially if the Jets can duplicate the intensity of the first half of last weeks domination against the Rams.

Jets manage to pull off a fourth quarter comeback through

(Jets +3.5)

Sunday, November 16^th, 2008

Denver Broncos(5-4) at Atlanta Falcons(6-3) 1:00PM

After refusing to go Homer on my pick last week, Jay Cutler put forth an amazing effort to bring the Broncos back for a win over the Browns. Problem is, Cutler’s arm is about all Denver has left. With all their running backs battered, beaten, or on IR, numerous other players bulking up the injury list and a defense that still has more holes than a pound of Swiss cheese, no one can pick the Broncos to go into Atlanta and win without a bunch of prayers and a little bit of luck.

Falcons continue to impress as they take advantage of a hobbled Denver team

(Atlanta -6.5)

Minnesota Vikings(5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(6-3) 1:00PM

While the Buccaneers should be able to reap the benefits of home field and an extra weeks rest, Adrian Peterson seems to have found his groove and has been on a steady increase with the passing of each week. With a run game like that benefiting the Vikings, they just might have that extra push to take the edge.

Vikings plunder a win out of Tampa

(Vikings +4)

Baltimore Ravens(6-3) at New York Giants(8-1) 1:00PM

Both teams are entering into this match up with a four game win streak that someone is going to have to see come to an end. I would look for the Giants defense to be more effective against he Ravens offense while the Giants offense will still be able to create a consistency of plays against the Ravens offense. I guess that pretty much tells everyone who I think is going to win.

Giants control the game just enough to take the win

(Ravens +7)

Oakland Raiders(2-7) at Miami Dolphins(5-4) 1:00PM

While the Dolphins seem to hit the field in a dominating fashion against tough competitors, they have lacked some intensity when playing teams that carry a losing record. Why’s that? Who knows? So should we expect an upset in Miami this week? Come on, from the Raiders?

Dolphins continue to win in their attempt to remain in the AFC East race

(Raiders +10.5)

New Orleans Saints(4-5) at Kansas City Chiefs(1-8) 1:00PM

Did the Chiefs almost pull an upset in San Diego last week or did San Diego almost shot themselves in the foot? I mean, come on, even the Raiders have a better record at this point and the only team the Chiefs have been able to beat all season are the…oh…never mind.

Saints take a win in a hostile Arrowhead Stadium

(Saints -5.5)

Detroit Lions(0-9) at Carolina Panthers(7-2) 1:00PM

While I can’t see the Lions going 0-16 on the season, I also can’t see them traveling into Carolina and upsetting the Panthers on their own turf. What I can see is a second effort in the second half by Detroit to pull within the spread, but a win is simply too much of a long shot.

Panthers keep the Lions in a winless season

(Lions +14)

Philadelphia Eagles(5-4) at Cincinnati Bengals(1-8) 1:00PM

Coming off a tough, hard-hitting game against the Giants, the Eagles could be looking at going into a trap weekend. Following the Giants going in and looking at the Ravens going out, it could be an easy oversight making a stop off in Cincinnati. But then again, as the Bengals continue to play without Palmer…

Eagles continue to fight for the NFC East’s runner up

(Eagles -9)

Chicago Bears(5-4) at Green Bay Packers(4-5) 1:00PM

Fantastic match up in what should prove to be a fantastic game, but regardless of the home field advantage I think the Packers could be in for a bit of a fight. Let me just say, THIS is the game where Devin Hester finally breaks his punt return drought. Add a possible INT from Aaron Rodgers and a fumble and the Bears defense/special teams will lead the way home on this one.

Bears pull off a win at Lambeau

(Bears No Line)

Houston Texans(3-6) at Indianapolis Colts(5-4) 1:00PM

On several occasions in the past I’ve liked the Texans to upset the Colts, especially this year. However, as long as turnover happy Sage Rosenfels is at the helm of this offense, I wouldn’t pick them to beat the Raiders…OK, maybe they beat the Raiders, but definitely not Peyton Manning and the Colts! Especially after Rosenfels last performance against them.

Colts climb one step higher above .500

(Colts +8.5)

Tennessee Titans(9-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars(4-5) 4:15PM

While many are probably feeling the Titans are overdue for a loss, and that the Jaguars have the capacity to serve up that loss, I don’t think that Jacksonville can get it done. Considered a contender for the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year, the Jaguars have failed to show us anything consistent that would leave me to believe they are the team to end this streak.

Titans continue to show the league they are the team to beat

(Titans -3)

Arizona Cardinals(6-3) at Seattle Seahawks(2-7) 4:05PM

As the Cardinals continue to push forward as the stand alone powerhouse of the NFC West they will get the honors of being the first team to welcome Matt Hasselbeck back into the line up. Unfortunately for Hasselbeck, I don’t believe the Cardinals will make it a happy return.

Cardinals continue to own the NFC West

(Cardinals No Line)

St. Louis Rams(2-7) at San Francisco 49ers(2-7) 4:05PM

Quite honestly I had the Rams picked to win this match up for this week, but after such a pathetic performance against the Jets last week and the competitive outing by the 49ers against the Cardinals last week that was a near upset, I had to change my position.

49ers take a much needed win to move into second place in the NFC West

(49ers -6.5)

San Diego Chargers(4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers(6-3) 4:15PM

I have never been a believer in Big Ben Roethlisberger as a top tier quarterback and the more I watch him play, the more I believe that I’m right. The powerhouse run game and stout defense of Pittsburgh have made Roethlisberger, Roethlisberger has not made Pittsburgh. With that said, watch for the Steelers defense to wreak havoc on San Diego as Mewelde Moore continues to grab yards by leaps and bounds. If the Steelers are to lose this match up, it will be Big Ben’s to lose.

Steelers dominate on Heinz Field

(Steelers No Line)

Sunday, November 16^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys(5-4) at Washington Redskins(6-3) 8:15PM

Within a week or two after the Redskins upsetting Dallas at home, I would have seen this game as a possible revenge game. As if the rivalry between these teams isn’t heated enough, the Cowboys have got to be out for blood in this match up. Unfortunately, even with the return of Tony Romo, I think the Cowboys have shown us that their troubles and frustrations run much deeper than just an injury to their starting quarterback.

Redskins sweep the Cowboys in their second match up at home

(Redskins No Line)

Monday, November 17^th, 2008, Monday Night Football

Cleveland Browns(3-6) at Buffalo Bills(5-4) 8:30PM

Although at times the Browns have shown signs of life this season, they still have yet to show signs of a defense. My only hope is that this game can produce some of the excitement I unexpectedly got from last Monday Nights Cardinals/49ers game, because the Bills can show signs of defense. They can show signs of offense as well.

Bills emerge victorious on the Monday Night Stage

(Bills -5)

And with that, we call a wrap to another Week of picks and spreads. My, my where has the first half of the season gone? Time flies when you’re watching football!

NFL Week 10 Update

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Sunday, November 9^th, 2008

Indianapolis Colts(4-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers(6-2) 4:15PM

Steelers hang tough at home

(Steelers No Line) (Steelers -4)

NFL Week 10 Picks

While it was definitely an improvement from Week 8, Week 9 was nothing better than average. But what else should I have expected. I picked all the favorites and we all know the chances of all the favorites winning are extremely slim. With all that said my straight picks were 9-5 while my picks against the spread finished 8-6. So let’s just jump right in to Week 10.

Season Stats:

75-55 / 75 of 130 (.577) Straight Picks

68-59-3 (.523) Against the Spread

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins

Thursday, November 6^th, 2008

Denver Broncos(4-4) at Cleveland Browns(3-5) 1:00PM

This pick is going to pain me, but I’m a disgruntled fan at this point! With no consistency outside of failure on defense and an awful case of fumblitis and toss a pick on offense I simply can not pick my Broncos for a win with any good conscious. I hope I’m wrong, and I’ll cheer my team until my grave, but this is pathetic! Brady Quinn couldn’t have been given a better defense to start against.

Browns take advantage of home field and a few turnovers to solidify win

(Browns -3)

Sunday, November 9^th, 2008

Tennessee Titans(8-0) at Chicago Bears(5-3) 1:00PM

I had this game pegged as the end of the Titans win streak, but (and I can’t believe I’m actually saying this) without Kyle Orton the Bears will be lacking that little extra push. Add that to that fact that Grossman will once again be behind center and the Titans defense is almost guaranteed to see some turnovers.

Titans mark up another win on their undefeated run

(Titans -3)

Jacksonville Jaguars(3-5) at Detroit Lions(0-8) 1:00PM

Upset pick of the week. Jacksonville has been stumbling and simply failing to get it done. Their last win came against Denver who insisted on continually giving them back the ball. Then last week the Jaguars gift wrapped the Bengals first win of the season. I don’t think many people would expect Jacksonville to falter like that twice in two weeks, but another game on the road and Detroit keeping many of their games close…

Lions take first win of season against a stunned Jaguar team

(Lions +7)

Seattle Seahawks(2-6) at Miami Dolphins(4-4) 1:00PM

In an attempt to rebound after last season, Miami has put together some impressive defensive stands, ran their Wildcat offense until every team has game planned for it, and pulled off a few upsets. Now they will get to come home and take on a floundering Seahawk team.

Dolphins chalk up another win and stay in the race for the AFC East

(Seahawks +9)

Green Bay Packers(4-4) at Minnesota Vikings(4-4) 1:00PM

I what should be a tough Divisional match up I’m going to take Aaron Rodgers and the Packers defense to win in this match up. Adrian Peterson is still a running back to be reckoned with, but he can’t win it alone.

Packers take the win to remain up on the Vikings in the NFC North

(Packers +2)

Baltimore Ravens(5-3) at Houston Texans(3-5) 1:00PM

Another upset in the mix, the Ravens will travel to Houston this week to take on Matt Schaub and the…huh? Oh yeah,…hold on, scratch that. With Matt Schaub out for 2-4 week, the Texans will be lead by Mr. “I can blow the lead in less than five minutes” Rosenfels. Oh Heaven help the Texans!

Ravens win on the road

(Ravens +1.5)

St. Louis Rams(2-6) at New York Jets(5-3) 1:00PM

After two back-to-back impressive wins by the Rams they have returned to their losing ways over the past two weeks. Now they must travel to New York and take on the old age, no, age old, no,…aw forget it…they’re taking on Brett Favre and the J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets.

Jets continue their chase for the division with a home win

(Jets -8)

New Orleans Saints(4-4) at Atlanta Falcons(5-3) 1:00PM

Michael Vick who? OK, maybe Matt Ryan isn’t quite THAT good, but you can’t deny he’s making an impact on a Falcons team that desperately needed a little turn of luck. Now they get the advantages of home field as they host the high powered offense of the Saints. But all this traveling and two weeks without a game could have the Saints coming out cold.

Falcons find a way to win at home

(Falcons Pick)

Buffalo Bills(5-3) at New England Patriots(5-3) 1:00PM

Without Tom Brady, the Patriots simply haven’t been able to dominate other teams on the field, but they haven’t exactly thrown in the towel. Tied with Buffalo going into this extremely huge Divisional match up for the AFC East the Patriots have been able to remain somewhat steady, while the fast start Bills are in the midst of a backslide.

Patriots bring a win to Gillette Stadium

(Patriots -4)

Carolina Panthers(6-2) at Oakland Raiders(2-6) 4:05PM

I don’t see any reason to spend a whole lot of time here. Last weeks performance by the Raiders has to be one of the most pathetic performances I’ve seen in a very long time. Unless the Panther come out cold or choose to look past this match up and show up unprepared, I don’t see any reason why the Panthers shouldn’t dominate this game.

Panthers dominate the Black Hole

(Panthers -9)

Indianapolis Colts(4-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers(6-2) 4:15PM

I’ve never been a big fan of Ben Roethlisberger as a great quarterback, so whether or not it’s Big Ben or Byron Leftwich behind center in this weeks match up is of little difference in the outcome. While Peyton Manning continues to be one of the legends in the NFL, one man alone can’t win a game. The Steelers defense will cause problems for Manning all night while the power run game of Pittsburgh eats away at the Colts defense.

Steelers hang tough at home

(Steelers No Line)

Kansas City Chiefs(1-7) at San Diego Chargers(3-5) 4:15PM

If the Chiefs can’t hold onto a 21 point lead at home, how are they going to pull off a win on the road? Especially at Qualcomm against Division rival San Diego. Then again, the Chargers haven’t exactly been fantastic this season, and there is something to be said about teams playing above expectations in a rivalry game. And then again….

Chargers take a home victory

(Chiefs +15)

Sunday, November 9^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

New York Giants(7-1) at Philadelphia Eagles(5-3) 8:15PM

The Giants have looked solid this season at 7-1, but there’s just something to be said for a Divisional Game at a rivals stadium. With the Eagles playing at home and another week of healing behind Westbrook, we should all strap ourselves in for one wild ride!

Eagles manage to hold off the Giants in the fourth quarter for a win

(Eagles -3)

Monday, November 10^th, 2008, Monday Night Football

San Francisco 49ers(2-6) at Arizona Cardinals(5-3) 8:30PM

I would have to say it would be an upset to see the 49ers defeat the Cardinals at home on Monday night. To date, the Cardinals have been far and above anyone else in their Division and based on their history of finding ways to not to make the playoffs, I can’t imagine they would take this game lightly.

Cardinals keep on track for dominating the NFC West with another win

(Cardinals -9.5)

And with that, we close out another week of NFL picks. Good luck to everyone and let’s get ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!